Tuesday, December 15, 2009

PVAMU Panthers the 2009 SWAC Champions


We are the Champions, We are the Champions of the SWAC . . . is what the Prairie View A&M University Panthers and the PV family are singing on the victorious 30-24 defeat of the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M University’s Bulldogs for the SWAC Championship on Dec. 12 at Birmingham’s Legion Field. It took nearly 4 hours, 22 penalties, several replay reviews and 6 lead changes for the game of the season for the Panthers.

The Panthers (SWAC 9-0, 9-1), the winningest season since 1964, drew drawn fans from around the country who weathered the elements to see the Panthers rise to glory! Coach Henry Frazier, III, in part, deserves the credit for bringing the program to this level post Coach Billy Nicks. "It's been a long time coming," said Coach Frazier. "Nobody on this staff, nobody on this team was born in 1964. This is a special time." Indeed it is, so says the alumni, students, staff and administration at the university. At press time a victory rally is being planned, amidst the final exams at the PVAMU, to honor the team and staff. Congratulations coach Henry Frazier, players and staff for a super year.

This weekend, more than 500 candidates are expected to receive degrees from Prairie View A&M University at its Fall Commencement on Dec. 19 in the William Billy Nicks Auditorium. Degrees will be awarded in two ceremonies beginning at 9 a.m. and at 1 p.m. Mrs. Nathelyne Archie Kennedy, PVAMU Class of 1959, is the speaker. Kennedy is the first female engineering graduate of the university and the first African-American woman registered professional engineer in Texas. Kudos to the graduates and their families

Christmas was in the air this past week as area churches hosted yuletide events to mark the beginning of the season. First, members of the First United Methodist Church hosted its 18th annual Christmas Cantata - “Holy Night of Miracles” by Lloyd Larson on December 19. Performing with the community singers were Jawan Jenkins a PVAMU student and Houston Grand Opera singer, Adrian Bible of the PVAMU Chorale and the St. Francis Bell Troupe. Key players included Dr. Lucius R. Wyatt, director; Mrs. Ann Marquis of St. Katherine Drexel Church, pianist, Dr. Danny Kelley, dean of arts and sciences at PVAMU, organist, Wendy L, Bergin, flutist, Kalamba Kalumba, Narrator, with Mrs. Christine Wyatt, coordinator. The public was treated to a reception following the program.

In two lively performances of “Do You See What I See” by Todd Agnew, the Church of Waller, nine churches combined, marked the season of Christmas on December 12-13 in the Waller Senior High auditorium. Among the aspiring thespians were the Charlestons – David, a soloist on Glory to God, accompanied by Christiana, Caylah, Caisa and Melanie and Abbigayle, the angelic praise dancers; and Christian who sang in the chorus. Llayron Adkins wowed the audience with his mime presentation on Bethlehem Dawn. Director of the spirited production was Traci Bauler, with Jay Ghormley, musical director and Rachel Thackeray, stage manager.

The City of Prairie View’s Holiday Beautification Committee, co-chaired by Herbert Thomas and Shannon Smith, is set to decorate the city’s official tree on the corner of University Drive and U.S. Highway 290. Others interested in making donations and volunteering should call 936-857-3711. The Top Ladies of Distinction will sponsor its Annual Home Decoration Contest until Dec. 21.

The Prairie View volunteer firefighters and Prairie View police are accepting food items, cash donations, gift cards and toys for kids 0-17 years of age for its annual Spirit Drive. Items may be dropped off at the Prairie View Police Station and City Hall through Dec. 19. For more information call city hall at 936-857-3711, the police station 936-3521 or Elaine Jackson at 936-857-5550. Remember those in need.

Please continue praying for Dr. Martha Bailey, Mrs. Esel and Mr. Willie J. Bell Sr., Mr. Calan Carter, Mrs. Ernestine Carreathers, Mrs. Nellie Charleston, Mr. Dwayne Charleston, Mr. Hulen Davis Sr., Mrs. Irene Davis, Dr. B. J. Freeman, Mrs. Mardell Harden and Family, Mrs. Mary Kemp, Dr. David Kirkpatrick, Ms. Betty Miles Sr., Mrs. Irene Reid, Mrs. Ann Sams and Mrs. Douglas Woolfolk.

A View from the Hill: Another year has come and gone and the members of the Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team at PVAMU can revel in its accomplishment for 2009, including the organization of the year award from the university, along with top honors for its first Fashion Week; and its successful “Go Green” Environmental Sustainability Challenge Project. On tap for 2010 are the HSBC Freshman Financial Literacy Money Management and AIG Credit Awareness Projects, Student Entrepreneur Expo and Fashion Week Texas. At its closing program on Dec. 4, awards were presented to several members and to Dr. Sammie Robinson of the Business Advisory Board. Ridge Fields-Cooper is SIFE’s president. For information, call 936-261-3579 or visit www.sife.org.

December birthday wishes to Dianne Garret (13), Kameko Bowers (14), Doss Pruitt (15), Ursula Johnson (15), Chase Gillian (17), Esel Bell (18), Cecil Dorsett, III (18), Hazel Echols (18), Barbara Queen-Clarke (19), Deviyon Gillian (21), Jordan Hannah (21), Vivian Smith (22), Trivia Cyrus (23), Minnie Cyrus (23), Ula Richard (23), Lillian Manual (24), Nicole D. Berry (25), Marcus Williams (25), Darius Walker(25), Coach Barbara Jacket (26), Dalton McWhinney (27), Jocelyn Whiting (29), Johnie Walker (29), Beatrice Sowell (29) and Michael Sowell (30). HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to: Cynthia & Maurice Hobson (17), Everett & Beckey Fredholm (28), and George and Carolyn Brown (28).

ON A CULTURAL NOTE, I am sure you knew that on December 14, 1944-The first African American women completed officer training for the WAVES, two months after her admittance; 12/15/08–The 538 electors in 50 states and DC canvassed the 131 million votes and declared Barack Obama the 44th president of the United States; 12/16/76-Congressman Andrew Young is appointed United Nations' Ambassador by President Jimmy Carter; 12/18/1865-Congress ratifies the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery; 12/18/71-People United to Save Humanity (PUSH) founded by Rev Jesse Jackson in Chicago, IL; 12/18/89 - Ernest Dickerson wins the New York Film Critics Circle Award for best cinematography for the Spike Lee's movie, "Do the Right Thing," 12/20/1875-Carter G Woodson, the father of Black history was born and 12/20/81-Dreamgirls opens on Broadway at the Imperial Theater, Jennifer
Holiday, Cleavant Derricks and Michael Peters all earn a Tony Award.

Until next week, "You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." Keep the news, achievements and recognitions coming to prairieviewtoday@iwon.com, fax 936-857-5352, phone 936-857-3272 or P. O. Box 2906, Prairie View, Texas 77446.

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